Sarah Colombani

PhD ambassador in region Occitanie, Sarah Colombani, doctor in Biology-Health, is president of a biotechnology start-up (OcciCal Therapeutics).

Sarah Colombani

My background

I am a PhD holder in Biology-Health and the President of OcciCal Therapeutics, a biotechnology start-up. I defended my thesis in 2023, after completing my entire academic education at the University of Montpellier.

My research focused on understanding the mechanisms of a neurocardiac disease, which affects both the heart and the brain. It was during my master’s degree, when I discovered patient-derived stem cells, that I knew I wanted to pursue my PhD using this research model.

While I did not continue my career in academic research, I remain deeply connected to science. I now lead a company developing the first preventive treatment for a hospital-intensive care-induced respiratory disease. My work is closely linked to my doctoral project and exemplifies how a PhD can open diverse career paths while remaining at the heart of scientific innovation.

My vision of the role of ambassador

What motivated me to become a PhD ambassador is my commitment to the doctoral community. From the very beginning of my PhD, I actively participated in doctoral life - whether in my laboratory, at the doctoral school, or within the doctoral college - with the desire to strengthen and enrich this community.

For me, being an ambassador means raising the visibility of the PhD, highlighting its richness and diversity, and reminding everyone that it is an extraordinary adventure. My message is simple: the PhD is demanding, but it offers a unique opportunity to push your limits, create value, and build bridges between research and society.

I see my mission as sharing my experience: inspiring, encouraging, and making the doctoral journey more understandable and appealing. In practical terms, this means showcasing our successes, skills, and contributions to the world.

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